1. Accept your offer

We make offers on a rolling basis. We aim to make an offer within four weeks of receiving your completed application and supporting documents. 

Once we offer you a place, you must formally accept it by email. When we receive your acceptance we will send you a confirmation and pre-arrival letter by email, which will include information about living and studying in Bristol.

2. Apply for your visa

Full year students

If you do not hold a UK/Irish passport and will be studying at Bristol for more than 6 months, you must apply for a Student visa. We will send you a CAS (confirmation of acceptance for studies) around 3 months before the start of your programme. You will need the number on your CAS to apply for your visa.

Single semester students

If you do not hold a UK/Irish passport and will be studying at Bristol for only one semester, you must get a Standard Visitor visa. Some nationalities can receive this visa at the UK border, but some will need to get it before travelling to the UK. 

Check if you need to apply for a visitor visa before coming to the UK

As of October 2023, Qatari nationals, who wish to travel to the UK on or after 15 November 2023 and from 1 February 2024 Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia nationals who wish to travel to the UK on or after 22 February 2024, for only one semester, will be able to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). More information about this can be found on the Standard Visitor visa page.

Irish citizens

Irish passport holders do not need to get a visa and should follow the advice on the Common Travel Area webpage.

If you have any questions about applying for a visa, contact Student Visas.

3. Apply for accommodation

Once you have accepted your place on a Study Abroad programme, you will receive more information about accommodation and how to apply.

University accommodation

Autumn semester (September start) exchange students from institutions outside of Europe and all non-exchange students are guaranteed an offer of a place in University accommodation, if you apply by the deadline. Exchange students from institutions within Europe are not guaranteed an offer but are still welcome to apply and also given support to find private accommodation.

January entry non-exchange students are guaranteed an offer of a place in University accommodation. January entry exchange students are not guaranteed an offer, but we make every effort to place as many students as possible in a University residence or help you find private accommodation. 

If you have any questions about this, contact the Centre for Study Abroad Inbound team.

Private rented accommodation

After the first year at university, most UK students live in private accommodation. If you prefer an independent lifestyle, you could look for rented accommodation in the private sector. 

More information about living in privately rented accommodation.

4. Prepare for your arrival in Bristol

Find information for new international students and details of our Welcome Lounge where you can meet other students and get practical advice.

Orientation 

Study Abroad orientation happens at the start of term, shortly after you arrive. You must attend orientation so please refer to the academic dates to ensure that you know when it is taking place. This will give you the information you need to help you settle into Bristol and finalise your unit choices. The Centre for Study Abroad Inbound team will send you more information about orientation before the start of term.